What will you learn in an ACLS class?

What will you learn in an ACLS class? In one sense, the answer is simple: ACLS is specialized information and skills (far beyond what is taught in BLS) that are used to respond to specific medical emergencies, information and skills needed to make sure the resuscitation process started by BLS is successful. However, that explanation is just the beginning.

First, students are required to have certification in CPR for Health Care Professionals or BLS before they can enroll in ACLS. An ACLS class consists of two 8-hour days or quite a bit of self-study, a written test, and a hands-on skills test. Every ACLS class, on-line or in a classroom, uses the same curriculum, and your ACLS class will cover the following topics. 

• Initiating the ACLS process: Initiating the ACLS process involves a) identifying a victim, b) activating the EMS system, c) providing CPR, and d) providing early defibrillation.

• Airway management: Techniques used to open an airway, how to use airway devices (e.g., endotracheal tubes, laryngeal-mask airways, etc.), and how – and with what – to administer oxygen are covered in this section of an ACLS class.

• Arrhythmia recognition and management: You will be responsible for recognizing over 20 arrhythmias, and you will be taught how to treat each one. Fortunately the curriculum is organized to simplify the task: the arrhythmias are divided into categories such as narrow-complex arrhythmias, wide-complex arrhythmias, the various heart blocks, etc.

• Medications: The indications, dosages, administration, and side effects of cardiovascular medications (e.g., anti-arrhythmics, vasopressors), fibrinolytics, antidotes, adrenergics, and anticoagulants are covered in every ACLS class.

• Electrical therapy: ACLS curriculum covers the how, why, and when of defibrillation, cardioversion, and cardiac pacing.

• IV access and other invasive procedures: Your ACLS class will include a review of peripheral and central venous access devices, how and when to use a particular method, benefits and risks of each technique, etc. The class may also include a basic review of thoracostomy, pericardiocentesis, and other invasive procedures.

• Algorithms: Algorithms are a very important part of ACLS. Your ACLS class will cover algorithms for cardiac arrest, pulseless arrest, asystole, pulseless electrical activity, bradycardia, tachycardia, and acute coronary syndromes. Each one is a set of organized steps that outlines the optimal way to respond to specific medical emergencies, as they initially occur and as they change. Example: The patient is in pulseless arrest. The proper steps are a) initiate CPR, activate the EMS system, b) administer oxygen, c) assess the rhythm, d) shockable rhythm? If so, defibrillate, e) not shockable? Continue CPR, give epinephrine or vasopressin, f) reassess and continue.

• Special situations: ACLS classes also teach how to care for stroke victims, and how to respond to cardiac arrest if the victim is pregnant, or if the cardiac arrest has been caused by avalanche, anaphylaxis, asthma, cardiac tamponade, drowning, electrocution, hypothermia, poisoning/overdose, or trauma.

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